Kashmere Stage Band documentary Thunder Soul to premiere at SXSW

• March 03, 2010

A documentary film has been made about the Kashmere Stage Band and their legendary band leader Conrad "Prof" Johnson. The film Thunder Soul is directed by Mark Landsman, and will premiere at SXSW in Austin TX, March 13.

Thunder Soul follows the extraordinary reunion of alumni from Houston's storied Kashmere High School Stage Band, who return to their school for the first time in 35 years to pay tribute to their beloved leader - the 92 year-old "Prof" - who transformed the school’s mediocre jazz band into a world-class funk powerhouse in the late 60s and early 70s. Conrad Johnson passed away in 2008, only a few days after this reunion.

Mr. Landsman will be present at the premiere of Thunder Soul along with 30 original members of KSB who are featured in the film. After the film's March 15 showing, The Kashmere Stage Band will perform at the Austin Chronicle Film Party.

Premiere and event dates:

MAR. 13, 11:00 AM Thunder Soul (World premiere) at Paramount Theater, 713 Congress Ave.
MAR. 15, 6:45 PM Thunder Soul at Alamo Lamar 2, 1120 South Lamar Blvd.
MAR. 15, 9:00 PM Kashmere Stage Band (Live) at Austin Chronicle Film Party at La Zona Rosa, 612 W 4th St.
MAR. 19, 2:30 PM Thunder Soul at Paramount Theater, 713 Congress Ave.

The music of Kashmere Stage Band is featured on Stones Throw compilation The Funky 16 Corners, and the 2006 anthology Texas Thunder Soul 1968–1974 on Now-Again.

Links:
Kashmere Stage Band on The Funky 16 Corners
Kashmere Stage Band - Texas Thunder Soul 1968-1974 (Album)
Conrad O. Johnson dies at 92
Kashmere Stage Band at Now-Again
Thunder Soul film website

THUNDER SOUL PRESS CONTACTS:
weimanseid@fatdot.net
jennylawhorn@fatdot.net